On the second day of Macron’s state visit, Trump called the Obama-era nuclear deal a “nightmare” that “should never have been negotiated,” wrongfooting his guest who wanted to convince the US president to maintain it.

“I can hear. I seemed to constantly hear that he (Trump) had no serious desire to maintain or defend” the agreement,” Macron told journalists late Wednesday before leaving the United States. “I consider that it’s a campaign pledge he made long ago … I don’t know. Rational analysis does not lead me to think he will stay in the deal.”

Earlier, speaking to a group of journalists in Washington, Macron was more straightforward, saying he thought Trump would pull out of the deal “for his own domestic reasons.”

Speaking with the U.S. president at the White House on Tuesday, Macron floated the possibility of a “new deal” that would complete the current accord by making its terms stricter in several areas. Trump signaled openness to the idea, without endorsing it explicitly. But the two leaders remained at odds over whether to keep the current deal and seek additional concessions from Iran, or tear it up and start over again.

Other European powers who negotiated the original deal under Obama have not signed on publicly to Macron’s new proposal. But a top aide to the French president said he had consulted with them, as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin, about his proposal before coming to the United States.

Trump has said he would announce his decision on whether to remain in the deal on May 12.

Related stories on these topics:

Rebecca Hargens

‘Rational analysis does not lead me to think he will stay in the deal,’ says French president.

Trump has never been accused of being rational. He is serving up hatred and fear on a daily basis.

Posted on 4/26/18 | 1:50 PM CEST

lib crit

Trump is a nutcase. He can’t tell where Iran is on a map. He can’t tell whether they’re sunni or shia. But he doesn’t like the Iran deal because Obama signed it.

Posted on 4/26/18 | 2:23 PM CEST

Eusebio Manuel Vestias pecurto vestias

President Macron let millions of Americans imagining we will see diplomatic negotiations behind the scenes the President of France was without doubt a good example for the European Union

Posted on 4/26/18 | 3:13 PM CEST

cinc eur

Totally worth the trip, and being dragged around like a toddler then? Next time, send an email.

Posted on 4/26/18 | 3:42 PM CEST

Irene Duym

Macron performed well. After all, despite the “bromance” show he accepted to play, he made it clear in his address to the Congress that the current US president is but a temporary actor on the international scene.